One loses vision as 32 hurt by crackers at Diwali in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Thirty-two people with eye injuries caused by firecrackers during Diwali celebrations sought treatment at the state-run Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital here, officials said on Sunday, November 8. 

One of them has completely lost vision in his right eye, they said.

Six of the injured, four of them children, have been admitted, hospital Resident Medical Officer Dr Ibrahim told reporters. The remaining 26 were given medication and asked to return for follow-up care. Treatment is continuing for the others, he said.

Beds kept ready

Ahead of the festival, the 550-bed hospital at Mehdipatnam had set aside 20 beds for firecracker injury cases. It kept teams of doctors, nurses, support staff and ambulance drivers on standby. Ambulances were also stationed in the districts to bring emergency cases to Hyderabad.

Hospital superintendent Dr P Modini had said the hospital treated 116 and 115 patients with cracker injuries during the previous two Diwali seasons.

Doctors had cautioned that careless handling of firecrackers could cause burns and permanent eye damage. They advised families to keep water and basic first aid ready and to seek medical help immediately for eye injuries.